U.S. patent application number 11/745575 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for method and device for providing a selection menu allocated to a displayed symbol.
This patent application is currently assigned to ComBOTS Product GmbH. Invention is credited to Christian Reissmueller, Frank Schueler.
Application Number | 20070261006 11/745575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38258832 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070261006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reissmueller; Christian ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING A SELECTION MENU ALLOCATED TO A
DISPLAYED SYMBOL
Abstract
A method and device which provides a selection menu allocated to
a displayed symbol is provided. A graphic display unit has a
display interface and an input device that controls a pointer on
the display interface. A control unit drives the display unit such
that upon activation of a predefined function, selection elements
are represented on the display interface so that an image form of
the displayed symbol can be selected using the selection elements.
The control unit also drives the display unit such that when the
pointer of the input device is positioned over one of the selection
elements, the selection element is animated.
Inventors: |
Reissmueller; Christian;
(Sulzberg, DE) ; Schueler; Frank; (Karlsruhe,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770
Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
ComBOTS Product GmbH
Amalienbadstrasse 41
Karlsruhe
DE
76227
|
Family ID: |
38258832 |
Appl. No.: |
11/745575 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/837 ;
715/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/107 20130101;
H04L 51/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/837 ;
715/810 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 021 399.8 |
Claims
1. A device for providing a selection menu allocated to a displayed
symbol, the device comprising: a graphic display unit comprising a
display interface configured to display a pointer; an input device
operable to control the pointer; and a control unit operable to
drive the display unit so as to display a plurality of selection
elements of the selection menu on the display interface when a
predefined function is activated so that an image form of the
displayed symbol can be selected via the plurality of selection
elements, the control unit being further operable to drive the
display unit so as to animate a first selection element of the
plurality of selection elements when the pointer is positioned over
the first selection element.
2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
operable to drive the display unit so as to highlight a second
selection element of the plurality of selection elements when the
pointer is positioned over the second selection element, the
highlighting comprising displaying the second selection element as
at least one of enlarged, displaced, and in a different color with
respect to the selection menu.
3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
selection elements are arranged in a grid.
4. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the grid is
incorporated into the selection menu.
5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
further operable to drive the display unit such that the selection
menu is displayed with a size-adjusting element for setting a size
of the displayed plurality of selection elements.
6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
further operable to drive the display unit such that the selection
menu is displayed with a text-display selection element for
toggling a display of texts for the selection elements.
7. The device as recited in claim 6, wherein the texts comprise
descriptions for the plurality of selection elements.
8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
operable to drive the display unit such that the plurality of
selection elements are displayed with respective header elements so
as to enable, by activating one of the respective header elements,
a selection from the plurality of selection elements displayed in
the selection menu according to predefinable criteria.
9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
operable to drive the display unit such that the plurality of
selection elements are allocated to a currently displayed symbol,
and provide a respective animation in conjunction with the
currently displayed symbol.
10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is
operable to drive the display unit such that the plurality of
selection elements corresponds to alternative symbols of a
currently displayed symbol.
11. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein when one of the
plurality of selection elements is selected, the control unit is
operable to inform a further device connected to the device of the
selection.
12. A method for providing a selection menu allocated to a
displayed symbol, the method comprising the steps of: displaying,
upon activating of a predefined function, the selection menu on a
display interface of a display unit, the selection menu having a
plurality of selection elements usable to select an image form of
the displayed symbol; and animating a first selection element of
the plurality of selection elements when a pointer of an input
device is positioned over the first selection element.
13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step
of: highlighting a second selection element of the plurality of
selection elements when the input device is positioned over the
second selection element, the highlighting comprising at least one
of displaying the second selection element; laterally displaying
the second selection element on the display interface, displaying
the second selection element in a different color, and enlarging
the second selection element on the display interface in relation
to the selection menu.
14. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step
of: displaying the plurality of selection elements with a
size-adjusting element,
15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising the step
of: setting, using the size-adjusting element, a size of the
plurality of selection elements displayed in a grid within the
selection menu.
16. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step
of: displaying the plurality of selection elements with a
text-display selection element for switching on/off a display of a
text to at least one of the plurality of selection elements.
17. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step
of: displaying the plurality of selection elements with a plurality
of header elements for, by activating one of the plurality of
header elements, making a choice from the plurality of selection
elements displayed in the selection menu.
18. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the steps
of: allocating the plurality of selection elements to a currently
displayed symbol; and providing an animation in conjunction with
the currently displayed symbol.
19. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of
selection elements correspond to alternative symbols of the
currently displayed symbol.
20. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the steps
of: selecting one of the plurality of selection elements; and
informing a connected device of the selection.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent
Application No. DE 10 2006 021 399.8, filed May 8, 2006, the
contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in its entirety.
[0002] The invention relates to a method and a device for providing
a selection menu allocated to a displayed symbol.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In known traditional communication systems, users already
connected to a terminal are displayed as a symbol on a display
interface of the terminal. This symbol can be, for example, an icon
or also an image or photo. By activating operating elements
allocated to the symbol, a communication connection to the
allocated communication partner can be constructed, often in the
form of an Instant Messaging or IM communication connection or also
in the form of a file-swapping, video or voice communication. In
traditional communication systems, the symbol displayed to the
communication partner is animated without the animation being able
to be matched to the mood of the allocated communication partner.
Communication partners on the Internet convey their mood by sending
their own smiley symbols provided for this purpose, by so-called
emoticons. This makes possible a simple non-verbal communication,
where various such symbols or emoticons are available for
selection.
SUMMARY
[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method and
device which provide a selection menu allocated to a displayed
symbol. A graphic display unit has a display interface and an input
device that controls a pointer on the display interface. A control
unit drives the display unit such that upon activation of a
predefined function, selection elements are represented on the
display interface so that an image form of the displayed symbol can
be selected using the selection elements. The control unit also
drives the display unit such that when the pointer of the input
device is positioned over one of the selection elements, the
selection element is animated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained
in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a communication
system with two terminals according to the present invention;
and
[0007] FIG. 2 to FIGS. 16a-d illustrate various representations of
graphic displays of selection menus on a graphic user interface
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method and
device is provided for a non-verbal form of communication in which
the animation of the symbol displayed to the communication partner
can be chosen easily.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
device for preparing a selection menu allocated to a displayed
symbol is provided. The device includes a graphic display unit
which has a display interface, an input device with which a pointer
on the display can be controlled on the display interface, and a
control unit which drives the display unit, with the result that
when a predefined function is activated, selection elements are
displayed on a display interface of the display unit. In
particular, the selection elements are displayed in the selection
menu, where an image form of the displayed symbol can be selected
via the selection elements, and the control unit drives the display
unit such that when the pointer of the input device is positioned
over one of the selection elements the corresponding selection
element is animated.
[0010] The control unit can preferably drive the display unit such
that when the pointer of the input device is positioned over one of
the selection elements, the corresponding selection element is
highlighted by being displayed as enlarged on the display interface
or in the selection menu, displaced on the display interface, or
displayed in a different color. Furthermore the selection elements
can be arranged in a grid.
[0011] The control unit can drive the display unit such that the
selection menu is displayed with a size-adjustment element in order
to set the size of the displayed selection elements and/or of the
grid or of the measurements of the grid.
[0012] The control unit can preferably drive the display unit such
that the selection elements are displayed with a text-display
selection element in order to switch on or off the display of a
text to at least one of the selection elements.
[0013] Furthermore, the selection elements can be displayed with
several header elements by activating one of the header elements to
make a choice from the selection elements displayed in the
selection menu. In particular, the choice is selected according to
predefinable criteria, such as predefinable categories,
collections, and/or groups of selection elements.
[0014] In particular, the selection elements can be allocated to
the currently displayed symbol. The selection elements can provide
an animation which is provided in conjunction with the symbol
displayed.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the selection
elements correspond to alternative symbols to the currently
displayed symbol. Furthermore, the control unit can be designed
such that when one of the selection elements is chosen, the control
unit informs a further device connected to the device of the
selection.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
method is provided for preparing a selection menu allocated to a
displayed symbol. The method includes displaying a selection menu
with selection elements on a display interface of a display unit
upon activation of a predefined function. An image form of the
displayed symbol can be selected via the selection elements; and
animation of a corresponding selection element when a pointer of an
input device is positioned over the selection element.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a communication system in
which two communication partners, user A and user B, can exchange
data via a network, such as the Internet IP, in order to
communicate with each other in various ways. It is noted that
instead of using the Internet IP, other networks can also be used.
The network nodes in the networks, and also the end-points at the
users (end-nodes) form a decentralized organized network such as
the communication system. The transmission of data for the
communication can occur via the various nodes which have
essentially equal access and, depending on data flow, perform the
function of a send, destination or transmission node. The control
device CBS essentially manages the decentralized organization of
the communication system. In particular, the control device
controls access to the communication system by verifying the user
authorization or authentication. The communication system
integrates or connects transmission methods from store-and-forward
or peer-to-peer and all possible types of communication. Possible
types of communication include voice telephony, e-mail, IM (instant
messaging), exchange of data of all types and also the operation of
file-sharing applications, whiteboard applications and others.
[0018] For communication, each user has at his disposal a
corresponding terminal 1, 2 which are shown here as PCs (personal
computers). Other terminals 1, 2, such as mobile telephones, PDAs
(personal digital systems) and similar with which a user can
construct a data connection to the network IP in order to
communicate via it, come into consideration as terminals 1, 2. The
terminals 1, 2 can be connected to suitable input and output
devices ideally having a telephone headset, a mouse 3, 4, a
keyboard and a screen 5, 6. The communication system has at its
disposal the central control device CBS which controls, monitors,
supports and/or organizes the communication between the terminals
of users A and B. To this end, the central control device CBS has
at its disposal suitable software which can control access to the
system and control the basic mechanisms of the connection set-up
between terminal 1 and terminal 2 of the corresponding users A and
B.
[0019] One feature of the communication system of the present
invention is the graphic communication element, herein referred to
as ComBOTs.TM. below, which is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and
provided with the reference items CB-B and CB-A. ComBOT.TM. and
ComBOTs.TM. are a trademark of ComBOTS Product GmbH. A ComBOT.TM.
is essentially an operable and animatable element (e.g., icon,
symbol, figure, etc.) on the screen of terminal 1, 2 of the
respective communication partner (e.g., user A) which allows
contact to the other communication partner (user B). For example,
on the screen of terminal 1 of user A there is a ComBOT.TM. (CB-B)
which represents the other user B. Conversely, there is a
ComBOT.TM. (CB-A) on the screen of terminal 2 of user B. The look
and appearance of the ComBOT.TM. can be determined by each user,
preferably the user who is represented by the respective
ComBOT.TM.. In the example shown here, user A is represented by a
smiley and user B by a heart.
[0020] In terminals 1, 2, application software, such as client
software, is run and connects to the central control unit CDB in
particular to a server installed there. The client software carries
out an authentication of the respective user A, B in the
communication system. The user also performs certain functions via
the ComBOTs.TM. and specifies parameters for the user that can
preferably be stored in user profiles inside the central control
device. Furthermore, signalling data are exchanged with the help of
the client software which runs on the respective terminal 1, 2.
This allows the central control device to control or at least
prompt the construction of various transmission paths within the
network for the transmission of the useful data required for
communication.
[0021] The running of the client software via an interaction with
the ComBOT.TM. CB-B, CB-A, on the screen of the respective terminal
is described in more detail below. To this end, the user's
possibilities for interaction with a ComBOT.TM. displayed on his
screen, which represents a further user as communication partner,
are shown in FIGS. 2-14.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a display interface 10' in the form of a user
interface or desktop of a conventional operating system in which
symbols for files 11 and folders 12 are arranged on a background
surface 10, i.e., a surface of the screen display which is not
shown in a window. By double-clicking on the respective symbol 11,
a user can open the file, executing it if an executable program
file is involved or with a linked application if the file is a
content file, such as a text file. By double-clicking on a symbol
12 which represents a folder, a folder window is opened in which
symbols for several files located therein, or further folders, are
displayed which the corresponding user can execute or process in
the manner described above.
[0023] Also located on the background surface 10 or the display
interface 10' (desktop) shown in FIG. 2 is a ComBOT.TM. 13 which,
in the shown embodiment example, is a figure with a propeller hat,
called "propeller man" below. The propeller man is a ComBOT.TM. 13
for a second user, e.g., user B, connected to terminal 1, 2 of the
user, e.g., A, with whom there is a communication connection.
Displayed below the propeller man is a label with the name
"Jagger", which can display the name of communication partner B
represented by the propeller man. The propeller man including the
label optionally to be provided is thus the ComBOT.TM. 13 which
represents the communication partner B "Jagger".
[0024] The propeller man is preferably animated and performs a
circular movement according to a first animation sequence, with the
result that it serves to catch the eye of the user A, B on the
background image. The animation of the ComBOT.TM. 13 can
essentially be selected preferably by the communication partner to
whom it corresponds, depending on the situation, and a static
ComBOT.TM. 13 can also be selected depending on the currently
available computing and/or storage capacity.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, functions that
are executed by the client program which is allocated to ComBOT.TM.
13 can be activated in various ways. To gain access to these
functions, a particular user menu 14, here called ComBOT.TM. menu,
is opened by a suitable activation such as a left or right mouse
click, controlled by the corresponding computer mouse 3, 4, on the
ComBOT.TM. 13 (or on a symbol allocated to same), which allows a
selection of various functions of the client program. An example of
such a ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is shown in FIG. 3. The ComBOT.TM. menu
14 can also be opened by a mouse movement such as a mouseover which
is executed via the relevant ComBOT.TM. 13 or in another spatial
relationship to the position of ComBOT.TM. 13 on the display
interface of the screen. Thus, for example, with the help of a
circular movement when there are several ComBOTs.TM. located on the
background image preferably around the ComBOT.TM. 13 to be
selected, a ComBOT.TM. 13 can be selected and the ComBOT.TM. menu
14 activated for a subsequent selection of a desired function, with
the result that the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is displayed on the
background surface 10 of the screen.
[0026] The ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is preferably displayed enclosing the
ComBOT.TM. 13 and has segments 15 which have selection elements 16.
The ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is thus not only functional for the
respective ComBOT.TM. 13, but also graphically directly allocated
thereto. The selection elements 16 can be activated by clicking or
by other actions. The ComBOT.TM. menu 14 enclosing ComBOT.TM. 13
can be ring-shaped, elliptical or also otherwise enclosing the
ComBOT.TM. 13, with the result that the ComBOT.TM. 13 remains
visible in the middle of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 and the individual
segments 15 with the selection elements 16 arranged therein in a
group around the ComBOT.TM. 13. The ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14
has the advantage that a direct allocation of the menu to the
corresponding ComBOT.TM. 13 is possible, with the result that, in
particular when there is a larger number of different ComBOTs.TM.
13 which represent different communication partners, the ComBOT.TM.
menu 14 clearly represents one of the communication partners.
Namely, the communication partner who corresponds to the ComBOT.TM.
13 displayed inside the ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14, in this
case the propeller man, is clearly represented. In this manner, it
is possible to have a clear allocation of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 to
the corresponding ComBOT.TM. 13 when several ComBOT.TM. menus 14
are open.
[0027] The ComBOT.TM. menu 14 can appear by activating the
ComBOT.TM. 13 in a manner as described above (e.g., clicking, mouse
movement, keyboard shortcut, etc.) such that the ComBOT.TM. spirals
outwards. The ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14 enlarges starting from
the ComBOT.TM. 13 until it has reached its definitive size, and
turns while doing so, with the result that the arrangement of the
individual segments 15 and the selection elements 16 contained
therein correspond to a predefined arrangement. This feature is
also illustrated in FIGS. 16 a to 16b, which show, by way of
example in individual images, the progress or the sequence of a
ComBOT.TM. menu 14 opening spirally around a ComBOT.TM. 13.
[0028] The ComBOT.TM. menu 14 can be deactivated when another
function is executed on the background surface of the terminal, or
when the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 of a ComBOT.TM. 13 representing a
further communication partner is activated. The ComBOT.TM. menu 14
can also be deactivated by clicking, for example, on an empty part
of the background surface 10. When the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is
deactivated, the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 preferably disappears in a
manner similar to that in which it appeared, namely by spiralling
in again, such as by turning and simultaneously shrinking until it
disappears at the location of the ComBOT.TM. 13. When the
ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is activated, the ComBOT.TM. 13 can execute a
second animation sequence as further eye catcher which differs from
the first animation sequence when the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is
deactivated.
[0029] The segments 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 are preferably
ring segments in the shown embodiment example which completely
enclose the ComBOT.TM. 13. Depending on the number of functions
provided for the client program, the ring segments 15 can be
enlarged and reduced, and the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 can also comprise
several rings with respective segments 15 which are arranged
concentrically beside each other around the corresponding
ComBOT.TM. 13.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, as soon as the mouse pointer is moved
over a segment 15 of the ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14, the
respective segment 15 stands out. In the example, it is displayed
enlarged and/or can be arranged offset vis-a-vis the original
position of the segment 15. Furthermore, the colors of the
selection element 16 displayed in the segment 15 can change, with
the result that it is easily recognizable that a function allocated
to the selection element 16 can be activated by clicking or other
actions. The selection element 16 can be static or animated, in
order to direct the attention of the user to the segment 15 of the
ComBOT.TM. menu 14 that has been selected in this way.
[0031] When one of the segments 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is
highlighted, the segment 15 can also be provided with an
information selection element 17 which, in this example, is
circular and is located on an outer edge of the respective segment
and contains a symbol "i", which represents help menus or
information. If the mouse pointer now moves from the activated
segment to the information selection element 17 according to a
mouseover function or other action, either a textbox can
immediately appear which contains help information, or a further
menu with selectable functions can be activated, or a help film
sequence can be displayed to explain the selection element 16 to
which the information selection element 17 belongs.
[0032] Both the activation of a segment of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14
and the activation of the information selection element 17 can be
"commented" with a changed animation of the ComBOT.TM. 13 displayed
inside the ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14. In particular, upon
activation of the information selection element 17, the animation
of the ComBOT.TM. 13 can back up or supplement the explanation of
the function of the segment 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 that is
allocated to the information selection element 17.
[0033] In an embodiment according to the present invention, a
selection element 16 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 makes available, for
example, a telephone function which is displayed as a telephone
receiver symbol in a corresponding segment 15 of the ComBOT.TM.
menu 14. If the mouse pointer is moved to the telephone receiver
symbol and then to the information symbol "i", the animation of the
ComBOT.TM. 13 inside the ring-shaped ComBOT.TM. menu 14 can change
and the latter displays, for example, dialling a telephone and
holding a receiver to his head, with the result that a user is
shown the function of the segment 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 as
an animation. Thus, foreign-language users can also be helped via
the information selection element 17.
[0034] In particular, the ring-shaped selection menu or ComBOT.TM.
menu 14 allows for a permanent allocation of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14
to the respective ComBOT.TM. 13. This provides the benefit that
irrespective of the number of selection elements or menu items 16
to be provided, a clear allocation to the communication partner
represented by the ComBOT.TM. 13 can take place.
[0035] If a segment 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is connected to
further subfunctions, these subfunctions can be displayed as a
ComBOT.TM. submenu, which can extend in a ring-shape as an
additional ComBOT.TM. menu 14 or as a ring segment around the
already displayed ComBOT.TM. menu 14, and can have further segments
which are each linked to the specific subfunctions.
[0036] If the display in the embodiment is as displayed in FIG. 5,
a so-called arena 18 opens in which both the ComBOT.TM. 13, which
represents the user of the current terminal, in this case "Frank",
who is displayed as a ComBOT.TM. figure "Dracula", and the
ComBOT.TM. 13, which shows the communication partner "Jagger" (as
propeller man) allocated to the activated ComBOT.TM. 13, are
displayed. The two ComBOTs.TM. 13 are located inside a graphically
delimited zone, called arena 18 below, which is displayed in a
different color and/or by a suitable border around the two
ComBOTs.TM. 13.
[0037] The respective ComBOT.TM. figure "Dracula" or "propeller
man" displays a symbol in the form of a graphic figure whose
appearance or image form can be changed. If the user wishes, for
example, to change the ComBOT.TM. for "Frank", i.e., "Dracula"'s
symbol 19', he can open a selection menu provided to this end, in
which different image forms and/or alternative symbols, such as
"man with hat" or "ghost" or "telephone" are offered to the user
for selection. This features is illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0038] Beside each of "Frank"'s ComBOT.TM. 19' and "Jagger"'s
ComBOT.TM. (see reference item 13 in FIGS. 2-4), a smiley symbol 19
is displayed with which, as is shown in FIG. 6, another selection
menu in the form of a grid can be opened by clicking, the image of
the ComBOT.TM. 19' allocated to the smiley being able to be changed
in the arena 18. Depending on which ComBOT.TM. 13, 19' smiley is
activated, the image of the current user of the terminal or the
image of the communication partner "Jagger" can be changed.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the selection
menu 20 can display a number of different ComBOT.TM. image forms 30
which are predefined but can also partly be defined by the user.
For example, there are figures such as "man with hat", "monster",
"ghost", etc. or also graphic symbols such as "telephone" or
similar. The user can choose a new image form (also called
characters) for his ComBOT.TM. or for that of his partner in order
to represent himself or the partner. The selection menu 20 offers a
large number of different image forms. These can be characters
which are freely available.
[0040] Furthermore, ComBOT.TM. image forms 30 can also be displayed
which are not freely available or immediately available for
selection, but can be obtained from a provider or online shop of
such ComBOT.TM. image forms. The offered image forms are thus
selection elements already provided or offered to the user. The
elements are displayed or arranged preferably in a grid, here in
the form of a matrix, the size of which can be changed. This can be
the size of the grid itself and/or the size of the individual
elements, or the number of individual elements. The selection menu
20 or grid is thus employed by the user to pick out a new
ComBOT.TM., and can also be referred to as a ComBOTs.TM.
picker.
[0041] The selection elements, or ComBOTs.TM. image forms,
displayed in the selection menu 20 or the grid can be allocated to
different system. The elements can also be user-specified headers
and thus, correspondingly displayed. The ComBOTs.TM. image forms
are ordered or filtered according to specific selections. For this
the selection menu 20 has at its disposal display filters which are
activated via corresponding header switches or buttons or header
elements 32.
[0042] In a header area 31, the nature, such as the category or
group, of the respective ComBOT.TM. image can firstly be selected
via a suitable header element 32 and the respective ComBOT.TM.
image form to be selected then selected by moving the mouse pointer
over the ComBOT.TM. image forms displayed in a grid. Once the mouse
pointer moves over the ComBOT.TM. image form, the latter is
enlarged and highlighted (see FIG. 7, reference number 36), with
the result that the user can review his choice before making his
selection. It is furthermore provided that the ComBOT.TM. image 30
over which the mouse pointer is located is displayed with an
animation.
[0043] For example, the user can firstly selects or preselects
"monster", by clicking on one of the buttons 32, and then searches
for a monster from the monsters displayed, such as the figure
"Frankenstein's monster" 30. The size of the grid, the measurements
of the grid, the number of displayed ComBOTs.TM. and/or their
manner of display with regard to size, color, animation, sound
etc., can depend on the chosen selection or header. If, for
example, the chosen selection or header is "monster", the monster
ComBOTs.TM. offered for selection are shown in a larger grid, where
the monster ComBOTS these are also animated and sound or tone
sequences are also played. If "office" is selected, only the
corresponding symbols (telephone, writing desk, bookcase etc.) are
displayed on a small grid scale and without animation and/or
sound.
[0044] For better orientation, the selection elements 30 can be
further provided with suitable descriptions in the form of text
information, badges or labels, such as "Frankenstein". A
text-selection element 33 and one or more enlargement-adjustment
elements 34 can also be provided. The text-selection element 33
serves to switch on or off the display of a text allocated to the
ComBOT.TM. image, such as, for example, a name, a greeting or other
information. The enlargement-adjustment elements 34 serve to adjust
the size with which the ComBOT.TM. images 30 are displayed in the
grid of the selection menu 20.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
in the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 a further segment 15 which, in the shown
example, is provided with a heart symbol (see FIG. 8) via which the
connected communication partner can be sent a specific animation in
order to establish a non-verbal communication. The communication
partner, that of the relevant ComBOT.TM. 13 to which the ComBOT.TM.
menu 14 is allocated, receives corresponding animation data which
result in a specific animation of the ComBOT.TM. 13 allocated to
the current user being executed on the background surface of the
terminal of communication partner B. This means that user A's
ComBOT.TM. 13 executes on the background surface of user B's
terminal an animation which user A has selected in order to
communicate non-verbally with user B.
[0046] The animation can also be selected via a so-called "picker",
namely via an animation selection menu 40, which is shown by way of
example in FIG. 9. The selection is carried out by displaying in
one grid different animation symbols 41 which, when the mouse
pointer moves over them in a mouseover function, are displayed
enlarged and begin to execute the animation allocated to them. The
animations can be divided into groups which can be selected through
suitable header elements 42 in order to display animation symbols
41 for different emotions or information for the selection of the
suitable animation. Possible animations are, for example, the
handing over of a present, laughter, anger, etc., which are
allocated to the ComBOT.TM. 13 which represents user A and which
are sent to the selected communication partner B, with the result
that the corresponding ComBOT.TM. 13 allocated to the current user
selecting the animation executes the animation.
[0047] The structure of the animotion-selection menu 40 (here also
called "animation picker") is substantially similar to that of the
selection menu 20 for the ComBOT.TM. images, wherein the animation
is executed once the mouse pointer moves over one of the ComBOT.TM.
images shown there. The provided animations can be generally valid,
with the result that they can be executed regardless of the
ComBOT.TM. image used by the current user, i.e., with any
ComBOT.TM. image, or can also be carried out with only a few
specific or only one ComBOT.TM. image 30.
[0048] The offered animotions can be displayed in the form of
animated preview images or small preview films (previews) when the
user moves over the corresponding symbol with his PC mouse. For
example, in the case of a mouseover over the "peace" animation
(symbol or element "41" in FIG. 9), the element is enlarged and a
preview in the form of an "Indian smoking a peace pipe" is
displayed therein. When the user clicks on this element, the
complete animotion is started or incorporated into the
communication for transmission to the partner.
[0049] Upon selection of a segment 15 of the ComBOT.TM. menu 14 in
which the selection element 16 is displayed as an envelope (see
FIG. 10), a communication window 50 is opened with which the
current user can communicate with the communication partner via,
for example, an IM (Instant Messenger) connection. This is shown in
FIG. 11. For this purpose, the communication window 50 is designed
in two parts and shows in a first subwindow 51 the texts written by
the current user and the communication partner. In a second
subwindow 52, the current user can compose messages which he can
send by pressing the "Enter" key, and which are then displayed in
the first subwindow 51 of both the current user and the
communication partner to whom the written text message is being
transmitted.
[0050] The communication window 50 can furthermore have an area in
which a history of the most recently conducted IM discussions is
listed. The history is a listing of communication or conversation
already conducted and includes all the events or sections of the
previously conducted communication, i.e., exchange of messages,
text, images, documents, etc. both in real time or virtual-real
time and also time-shifted. The system of the present invention
supports and integrates all types of communication, with the result
that the customary distinctions between synchronous and
asynchronous communication, such as e.g., Instant Messaging or
e-mail, do not occur here. The users can communicate with each
other at any time and by multimedia, without having to be concerned
about the transmission method, online presence of the partner or
similar.
[0051] Furthermore, both the ComBOT.TM. image of the current user
and the ComBOT.TM. image of communication partner B can be
displayed in one arena area 53 of the communication window. The
current user A can select a suitable ComBOT.TM. image for every
possible communication partner with whom the current user A is or
can be connected, with the result that the current user A is
displayed to different communication partners with different
ComBOT.TM. images.
[0052] Furthermore, the communication window 50 can have a
telephone selection element 54 to establish a telephone connection,
and a file selection element to attach a flagged message or attach
a file, so that further data, which can be sound, image or video
data for example, can supplement the text message.
[0053] A further function which the client program of the present
invention makes available is that files can be dragged onto the
ComBOT.TM. 13 on the background surface 10 of the screen by
drag-and-drop. The file symbol is selected and, with mouse button
depressed, guided over the ComBOT.TM. 13 and the mouse button
released there. The file allocated to the file symbol is then sent
immediately to the communication partner allocated to the
ComBOT.TM. 13.
[0054] The result of "dropping" the file symbol onto the ComBOT.TM.
13 of the communication partner is that, as shown in FIG. 12, a
second communication window 60 is automatically opened. However,
the second communication window 60 is smaller but likewise allows a
text input which can be sent to the communication partner allocated
to the ComBOT.TM. 13 by pressing the Enter key. In this embodiment,
the second communication window has no first subwindow to display
the previously written texts. In particular, after inputting a text
and then pressing the "Enter" key, the second communication window
can automatically be closed and the file and the input text sent to
the communication partner.
[0055] After the file symbol is dropped onto the ComBOT.TM. 13, the
second communication window 60 is opened and a small presentation,
e.g., a preview of an image or a video sequence preview, is already
displayed in the second communication window, so that the current
user can ensure that he has "dropped" onto the ComBOT.TM. 13 the
correct file which is to be sent to the allocated communication
partner.
[0056] Generally speaking, the display of communication windows can
be linked to the different functions which are called in the client
program. In the client program, the size and the functions
available therein of the communication window can be different,
depending on the type of function called. This is advantageous
because, when sending a file, often only a one-off very short text
communication from the current user is needed to comment when
required on the file. On the other hand, if the current user
consciously chooses an IM connection, he usually has it in mind to
carry out a lengthier communication with the allocated
communication partner.
[0057] The display of a communication window can furthermore also
be made dependent on what type of communication the current user
selects. Thus for example if the corresponding segment 15 of the
ComBOT.TM. menu 14 is selected to establish a telephone connection
(see FIG. 13), a third communication window 70 (see FIG. 14) can
simultaneously be opened which is merely provided with operating
elements to change settings relating to the called program
function. As the telephone connection represents the main
communication level, no space for making entries is required here,
with the result that a communication window provided merely with
the operating elements 71 is sufficient. On the other hand, when
establishing a communication connection such as an IM communication
as described above, a large first communication window is
displayed.
[0058] Furthermore, the size of the communication window and the
functions that can be selected therein can be executed depending on
the operating function with which the user selects or starts the
application. The operating function can be specified, for example,
with a mouse click, with a drag & drop, or with a mouse
movement over a specific area of the display interface such as a
mouseover. In this way, the user can determine the size and
functionality of the communication window by choosing how the
desired function of the client program is called. Thus the same
function can be called in different ways, with the result that in
addition to executing the corresponding function a communication
window dependent on the type of call is displayed.
[0059] Alternatively or in addition, the size of the communication
window and the functions that can be selected therein can be
determined depending on whether a specific function of the client
program is selected or started by the current user of the
corresponding terminal or whether for example the communication
partner connected to the current user starts a specific function of
the client program at the current user via the communication
connection. Thus a communication window with a specific size and
with specific functions can be displayed when a call is made by the
communication partner, the latter writes an e-mail and similar. The
communication window opened in these cases can differ in size and
functionality from those which are opened by actions of the user
himself.
[0060] Furthermore, each call of a function of the client program
via the ComBOT.TM. 13 can preferably lead to the display of a
corresponding communication window, matched thereto, further
specific subfunctions being selectably displayable by corresponding
selection elements to execute the function. In particular, the
communication windows can have subwindows for inputting and
transmitting text messages by pressing a text message selection
element.
[0061] Furthermore, it is possible that when the communication
partner sends a message, the message is displayed as a speech
bubble (see FIG. 15) to the ComBOT.TM. symbol allocated to the
communication partner, and furthermore the ComBOT.TM. symbol of the
communication partner who has sent the text message executes a
specific animation to attract the attention of the communication
partner. A click on the speech bubble can then open a communication
window which makes possible a further IM connection with the
communication partner.
[0062] Additionally, there can be located in the communication
window a selection element to call the animotion selection menu
which makes possible the selection of an animation for its own
ComBOT.TM. symbol. Following selection, the selected ComBOT.TM.
image is transmitted to the communication partner, with the result
that the ComBOT.TM. symbol allocated to the current user executes
the animation in order to communicate a specific emotion or mood
non-verbally.
[0063] As FIGS. 16a-d illustrate in more detail, the selection menu
14 (ComBOT.TM. menu) can be progressively expanded around the
ComBOT.TM. 13 and can be spatially securely allocated to it. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is only when the
user clicks on the ComBOT.TM. 13 or there is a mouseover does the
ComBOT.TM. menu 14 appear, very small at first, then begin to
expand almost "out of nothing" as shown in FIG. 16a. The menu 14
expands spirally or spiral-shaped to form a ring enclosing the
ComBOT.TM. and the individual segments become increasingly more
visible, as illustrated in FIGS. 16b and 16c. The spiral movement
is realized by a corresponding graphic animation and shown here in
FIG. 16b by a symbolic arrow. The menu 14 itself has a
semi-transparent appearance at least during the development phase,
with the result that the user can still easily recognize the
ComBOT.TM.. The spiral movement is concluded in the position in
which the menu 14 has reached its predefinable final size and the
segments are located in the predefinable normal positions, with the
result that the menu 14 completely encloses the ComBOT.TM., as
shown in FIG. 16d.
[0064] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *